Here's an update about a potential forthcoming Directive from the EC regarding Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD).

Over the last few years the Commission and other European bodies, principally trade unions, have voiced concern that European legislation does not cover all MDS risks, for example, repetitive work is excluded.

The EC's Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work has prepared an opinion on the development of further EC legislative initiatives on MSDs and a formal proposal is anticipated in Autumn 2009 (although the European Parliamentary elections and the appointment of a new set of Commissioners could cause some delay).

The Commission's strategy for 2007-2012 defines a series of measures at European and national level with a view to achieving an overall 25% reduction of occupational accidents and diseases in the EU.  MSD features in the document repeatedly, explicitly as "the Commission... will find ways of improving risk prevention with regard to musculo-skeletal disorders, carcinogens and needle stick infections".

Should 'repetitive work' or similar activities be covered by an EC Directive, it is likely to place obligations on businesses to risk assess employees for conditions such as 'work-related upper limb disorder', potentially involving additional health surveillance activites and possibly complicating the management of health at work, particularly rehabilitation activities.

Although any proposed Directive will take time to implement, the Commissions' statements are indicative of its desire to legislate further in this area, which suggests that businesses should be keenly aware of the discussions.

Blossoms will continue to monitor the proposed legislation and keep clients fully informed about any implications for managing health risks at work.